Max Verstappen tests his skills in a GT500 Nissan at Fuji under heavy rain – VIDEO. Max Verstappen drove laps at Fuji Speedway in a SuperGT GT500 Nissan under heavy rain.

The Dutchman never stops

From the Nürburgring to Suzuka, with a stop at Fuji: Max Verstappen took advantage of his trip to Japan for the third Formula 1 Grand Prix of the season to visit the legendary circuit at the base of the iconic mountain. The track is famous for its history, particularly the dramatic finale of the 1976 World Championship when, in torrential rain, Niki Lauda retired and could not defend the title that eventually went to James Hunt.

Rain seems to be a recurring theme in this story, as Max Verstappen’s laps at Fuji were also conducted under heavy rainfall. The Dutch driver got behind the wheel of a Nissan Z NISMO competing in the GT500 class of the Japanese SuperGT series, the premier championship of Japanese closed-wheel racing.

SuperGT GT500 performance

The performance of a car in this championship is significantly higher than that of the GT3 specification cars — on a dry Fuji track, the difference is estimated at around 12 seconds per lap between a SuperGT GT500 machine and a GT3 car. Naturally, the wet conditions prevented Verstappen from pushing the car to its absolute limits. Nevertheless, the Red Bull driver gained another valuable experience in what is shaping up to be an exceptionally busy and diverse 2026 racing year.

In addition to his Formula 1 commitments, Max Verstappen is set to participate in the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, making this year one of his most varied racing programs to date.

Max Verstappen sous la pluie au Fuji Speedway, au volant d’une Nissan Z Nismo GT500. 🤩#F1 pic.twitter.com/EC4s6eywWH

— Le Sprint (@LeSprintEdition) March 25, 2026

Max Verstappen therefore continues to prove that his hunger for competition extends far beyond the Formula 1 paddock. Whether it is navigating the “Green Hell” in a GT3 or taming a 650-horsepower Nissan GT500 in a Japanese rainstorm, the three-time champion is using 2026 to cement his legacy as a true multi-disciplinary racer. Based on the content of his recent track tests, his adaptability across different aero platforms remains his greatest weapon as he prepares for the high-speed challenges of Suzuka this weekend.